A Brief History On The Evolution Of Feminism

The first wave of feminism came about during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Women wanted the same opportunities as men, most notably — the right to vote. Thus the women’s suffrage movement was born.

The first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls in 1848 where a declaration was drafted and signed. It called for the right to vote, equal education rights and treatment under the law. But it took until 1920 when white women were granted the right to vote through the 19th Amendment.

The second wave of feminism came during the 1960s and tackled more controversial issues like reproductive rights and women in the workplace. Feminist during this era focused on passing the Equal Rights Amendment which would ensure that civil rights for all regardless of a person’s sex. It passed in 1972.

The third wave of feminism came during the 1990s — and embraced the idea that women can be assertive and powerful. This challenged the gender norm. More powerful and dynamic characters were featured in pop culture, with shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Sex and the City.

Fast forward to the present day and more women than ever hold high leadership positions yet, the fight for equality is all but over as women still are fighting for the same freedoms as men.